Choosing Merbau Decking For Your Timber Deck in Perth

When building a timber deck in Perth, choosing the right timber type is crucial. The harsh summer sun and conditions in Western Australia can quickly deteriorate conventional timber materials.

Merbau is a popular Australian hardwood timber sourced from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It has a Class 2 durability rating and is termite, rot and fungus resistant.

Termite Resistant

Unlike soft woods like pine and cedar, which can be susceptible to termite attacks, Merbau is naturally resistant. Merbau’s natural oils protect it from termites and other pests. It also does not warp or twist when exposed to extreme weather conditions. Moreover, it is highly fire-resistant and has a class rating of H3 F7, which makes it ideal for use in bush and outback areas.

Merbau is a unique timber that has been harvested sustainably, so it is an environmentally conscious choice. You can build a stunning deck with Merbau and support responsible forestry practices. It is also easy to cut with carpentry tools and works well with staining, polishing and painting. Its only drawback is a tendency to tannin bleed, which can cause staining of surrounding surfaces if not treated properly.

When building a timber deck, it’s important to have good drainage and a physical barrier to prevent termite infestation. You should also regularly inspect the deck for signs of damage or pest activity.

High Durability

Merbau is an extremely popular option in the construction and woodworking industries because of its beautiful aesthetic and natural resilience. Its exceptional durability and innate resistance to termites and weathering make it an ideal choice for outdoor timber decks.

Also known as Vesi, Ipil or Kwila, this unique hardwood is sourced from huge Pacific kwila trees. These trees can grow up to 60 metres tall and boast magnificent canopies. Merbau is less expensive than jarrah and other Australian Eucalypt species, and it can be sustainably sourced from forests in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Although merbau is extremely strong and stable, it contains natural oily tannins that may leak if the surface is not protected with a hydrophobic sealer. This is especially important if your deck is built around a pool or close to limestone. Merbau also does not catch fire easily, which makes it a good option for use in bushfire-prone areas of Australia.

Natural Beauty

Timber decking adds value to your home, increases the living space and creates a perfect vantage point for relaxing or entertaining. It also helps reduce heat and glare around the pool and enhances the look of your landscape.

A solid timber deck can be constructed from a wide variety of Australian hardwood species, such as merbau, spotted gum, jarrah and silvertop ash. Merbau is a hard and durable hardwood that can be used for decking, cladding, screening and flooring. It is also bushfire resistant, making it an ideal choice for homes in fire-prone areas.

Like other hardwoods, merbau can be stained and finished with decking oil to achieve the desired look. It is important to choose a quality product, as it is possible for some cheaper oils to cause the wood to bleed. Regular cleaning with a timber cleaner that contains sodium percarbonate and re-oiling with the right product will help to ensure your merbau deck looks great for years to come.

Versatility

Merbau decking is a versatile option for a wide variety of outdoor spaces. It’s ideal for cladding, flooring and marine construction. It’s also used to make outdoor furniture and musical instruments.

It has a high resistance to weather, rot and insects. It’s also a good choice for bushfire-prone areas. And, with its class 1 durability rating, it’s an excellent option for decking in WA’s harsh climate.

Like jarrah, merbau is a highly durable and beautiful timber. However, it does have one drawback – it ‘bleeds’. The rich tannins and natural oils that were locked up in the tree tend to leak out when the wood is processed and used for decking or other outdoor living extensions. To combat this issue, it’s best to wash your merbau deck before applying a clear timber sealer. Doing so prevents the leaching of these oils and helps you enjoy your deck sooner. Also, consider choosing a water-based oil over an oil-based product.

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